OECS Secretariat launches development information system in partnership with UNICEF
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Contact: Amanda-Faye Clarke
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has officially launched a comprehensive, user- friendly OECS Development Information System (OECSInfo.)
The new project is an adaptation of the United Nations Development Information System (DEV Info) , a powerful data and management tool, designed for the dissemination of social and economic statistics worldwide.
Director General of the OECS Secretariat, Dr. Len Ishmael, says OECSInfo will constitute one of two platforms, designed to address OECS statistical and data needs, and will involve the systematic storage and dissemination of information by the OECS Secretariat and its member states.
“Comprehensive, good quality statistical data and information has always been central to the successful implementation of the OECS mandate. Indeed, the current challenges facing the Secretariat in the production of the 2008 OECS Human Development Report, is but one case which underscores the urgent need for comparable, complete, regular and reliable statistics.”
Dr. Ishmael says, OECSInfo is one singular move towards ensuring the sub-region's achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and other pursuits including the formation of the OECS Economic Union.
The OECS Secretariat she says, has recently enlisted the support of the International Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, in implementing a parallel platform for the maintenance of the OECS database, and subsequently, the development of regional social initiatives.
“In addition, the OECS has embarked on other complementary statistical initiatives designed to collectively address the region's statistical requirements, most recently, an agreement with the World Bank where part proceeds will go to assist the Secretariat in formalizing its status and operations and the establishment of the OECS Research and Statistical Data Unit.”
The launch of the OECSInfo database follows several successful training sessions for users and system administrators at the OECS Secretariat and the department of statistics.
OECSInfo targets policy makers, social development planners, and the public. |
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